CHALLENGES

Our client was receiving complaints from their labs that test tubes were not secure and were spilling, as they were delivered from the collection sites, back to the lab for testing.

Some samples were also being contaminated as a direct result of the handling required using their existing methods. The test tubes were transported in hard plastic open bins. The bins required a thorough cleaning to remove the biological waste as a result of the spillage. This was labor - intensive, time consuming and costly.

Testing also revealed that the plastic bins were never 100% free of bacteria which caused additional management issues.

IDEAS

FormTech personnel performed a walk - through of this business operation, taking notes and collecting samples of the materials involved.
Within a few days, a new packaging design solution was offered that would:

• Provide for a securely delivered test tube without spillage
• Provide for contamination free test tube carrier packaging
• Reduce the overall cost of the business system
• Improve the production rate of labor within the system

SOLUTIONS

FormTech recommended an inexpensive disposable bin made of sturdy recycled board stock, with a multi-tiered cell to hold the test tubes firm during the delivery process.

To combat contamination during the handling process, FormTech integrated into the design a thermal lamination film, enhanced with a patented antimicrobial compound. Inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria and other damaging microbes.

The antimicrobial laminated surface of the new packaging eliminates and therefore controls the spread of bacteria.

Upon delivery of the product to the testing lab, the biodegradable laminated packaging is then destroyed and recycled well before the antimicrobial properties would lose their effectiveness. The thermal lamination film is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for the biodegradable detailing.